Tombstone and Cemetery Symbols

The following lists provide descriptions for some common (and some not so common) tombstone and cemetery symbols. You might want to have this list handy and carry it with you when you go tombstone hunting.

For example: Headstones in a cemetery, with 3 links of a chain with the letters F, L and T inside each link is the symbol for the Oddfellows organization (three interlocking oval rings). The F.L.T. stands for friendship, love and truth.

	Angels - Angels mean spirituality and they guard the tomb.
	Bible - A single Holy Bible is often found on Christian stones.
	Holy Books (2) - on Mormon headstones indicates the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
	Holy Books (3) - on Mormon Headstones, these indicate The Scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants.
	Chalice - Usually used to represent the Sacraments.
	Crescent - the deceased was probably a Muslim.
	Crown - The soul's achievement and the Glory of life after death.
	Cross - the Cross is an emblem of faith. There are many different types of crosses and each may mean something different. For a good explanation of various types of crosses, see alsirat, a part of The City of the Silent.
	Heart (Sacred) - Usually found in Catholic cemeteries, this heart refers to the suffering of Christ for our sins.
	Menorah - An emblem of Judaism
	Star of David or Mogen David - Recognized as the international symbol of Judaism.

MORTALITY

	Arrow - Mortality
	Broken Column - This image represents the decay. It usually represents the loss of the Family head.
	Candle being Snuffed - Loss of life.
	Coffin - Mortality.
	Figure with Dart - Mortality
	Grim Reaper - Death personified.
	Hourglass - Time has run out.
	Scythe - An instrument of the harvest, death cuts us down.
	Skull and or Skull/ Crossed Bones - Death.
	Spade or Crossed Spade and Shovel – Death

TRADE & OCCUPATION

(emblems that might indicate a person's occupation in life)

	Barber - Bowl (for bleeding) & Razor.
	Butcher - an axe, steel knife and cleaver.
	Farmer - Coulter (type of hoe), flail (threshing implement), swingle tree (rod for beating lax), stalk of corn.
	Gardener - Rake & Spade.
	Mason - Wedge & Level
	Mariner - Anchor, Sextant & Cross Staff.
	Merchant - Scales, some type of sign.
	Minister - Bible
	Shoemaker - Leather cutter's Knife, Nippers, Sole cutter & Awl
	Smith - Crown, Hammer & Anvil
	Teacher - Open Book.
	Weaver - Loom, Shuttle & Stretchers.
	Wright - A worker skilled in the manufacture especially of wooden objects; usually used in combination, shipwright, wheelwright, compasses.

RESURRECTION, ETERNAL LIFE and IMMORTALITY

	Angel, Flying or Trumpeting - Rebirth; Resurrection.
	Bird or Bird Flying - Eternal life, Resurrection.
	Cross: - The Cross means resurrection to many Christians.
	Dove, Flying - Resurrection.
	Flame, Light, Lamp or Torch: - Immortality of the Spirit, Resurrection.
	Garland or Wreath - Symbol of saintliness and glory, Victory in death.
	Horns -- The Resurrection
	Ivy - Immortality
	Rooster- Awakening; Resurrection.
	Star - Death could not overpower the Light of the Spirit which still shines in the darkness.
	Sun - A symbol of light and warmth, renewed life and life everlasting.
	Trumpeters -- Harbingers of the Resurrection
	Urn - Immortality (The storing of the vital organs was of extreme importance to the ancient Egyptians who believed that life would be restored through the vital organs placed in the urn).

ANIMALS

	Birds - Eternal life or resurrection.
	Butterfly - Short-life.
	Dog - Implies a good master worthy of love.
	Dove - Seen in both Christian and Jewish cemeteries, the dove means innocence and/ or Peace.
	Lamb - Usually marks the grave of a child and means Innocence.
	Lion - The Lion's eternal watch guards the tomb and stands for courage.
	Rooster - Awakening; Resurrection.

PLANTS

	Fruits - Eternal plenty as in the fruit of life.
	Full-Blown Rose - The deceased died in the prime of life
	Ivy - Ivy stands for friendship and also immortality.
	Laurel - A symbol of worldly accomplishment and heroism.
	Lily - The virgins' flower and also the symbol of innocence and purity.
	Morning Glory - Signifies the beginning of Life
	Oak., Oak Leaves and Acorn - Oak leaves on tombs can stand for power, authority or victory. Often seen on Military tombs.
	Palm Branch - Signifies Victory and Rejoicing
	Poppy - Eternal Sleep.
	Roses - Roses signify completion and the brevity of earthly existence.
	Rosemary - Rosemary is for remembrance. Thistles can also stand for remembrance.
	Thistle - Deceased was of Scottish descent.

TREE or TREES

	A Tree stands for life.
	A Tree Sprouting stands for life everlasting.
	Tree Trunk stands for the brevity of life.
	Stones shaped liked Tree Stumps usually signify that the deceased was a member of The Woodmen of the World
	Weeping Willow Tree - Perpetual Mourning; Grief.
	Wheat Strands or Sheaves - The divine harvest.

MISCELLANEOUS

	Broken Ring - The family circle has been severed.
	Cherub - Cherubs are angelic and signify innocence.
	Crossed Swords - Military person of high rank.

HANDS

Hands in cemeteries are usually in one of the following four positions; clasping, praying, pointing, and blessing.

	Hand, Pointing Up - Pathway to heaven.
	Hands, Clasped - Farewells or the bond of marriage
	Hands, Praying - Asking God for Eternal life.
	Hands, Blessing - Blessing of those left behind.
	Harp - Praise to the God.
	Heart - Love. Stylized hearts stand for the affection of the living for the dead. Two joined hearts on a stone mark a marriage.
	Rod or Staff - Comfort for the bereaved.
	Stars and Stripes Around Eagle - Eternal vigilance and liberty. Often seen on military markers.
	Urn with Flame - Undying remembrance

INITIALS of FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS

	AOH - Ancient Order of Hibernians
	BPOE - Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks
	CAR - Children of the American Revolution
	DAR - Daughters of the American Revolution
	FOE - Fraternal Order of Eagles
	FOP - Fraternal Order of Police
	F&AM - Free and Accepted Masons
	GAR - Grand Army of the Republic
	I.O.R.M. - Improved Order of Red Men
	IOF - Independant Order of Foresters
	IOOF - Independant Order of Odd Fellows
	IOJD - International Order of Job's Daughters
	J.O.A.M. - Junior Order of American Mechanics
	J.O.U.A.M. - Junior Order of United American Mechanics
	K.of C. - Knights of Columbus
	K.of P. - Knights of Pythias
	KT - Knights Templar
	LOM - Loyal Order of Moose
	M.W.A. - Modern Woodmen of America
	N.O.W. - Neighbors of Woodcraft
	RA - Royal Academy
	RA - Royal Arcanum
	R.A.M. - Royal Arch Masons
	R.N.A. - Royal Neighbors of America
	SAR - Sons of the American Revolution
	S.F.W.C. - Supreme Forest Woodmen Circle
	U.S.A. - United States Army
	U.S.A.F.- United States Air Force
	U.S.M.C.- United States Marine Corp
	U.S.N.- United States Navy
	YMCA - Young Men's Christian Association
	YWCA - Young Women's Christian Association
	W.C. - Woodmen Circle
	W.O.W. - Woodmen of the World
	W.O.W. - Women of Woodcraft

FRATERNAL ACRONYMS

	AAONMS - Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Masonic) ("The Shriners")
	AASR - Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Masonic)
	ABA - American Benefit Association
	AF&AM - Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
	AMD - Allied Masonic Degree
	AMORC - Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis(Rosicrucians)
	AMOS - Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans (see IOOF)
	AOF - Ancient Order Of Foresters
	AOH - Ancient Order Of Hibernians
	AOKMC - Ancient Order Of Knights of Mystic Chain
	AOUW - Ancient Order Of United Workmen
	ALOH - American Legion of Honor
	APA - American Protective Association
	AUM - Ancient Order of Mysteries (MASONS)
	AUSA - Association of the United States Army
	AUV - Association of Union Veterans
	BARE - Benefit Association Of Railway Employees
	BAY - Brotherhood of American Yeomen
	BKA - Benevolent Knights Association
	BK of M - Black Knights of Molders
	BPOE - Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
	BPOEW - Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World
	B of RTM - Brotherhood of Rail Road Track Men
	BLE - Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
	BLF&E - Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Engineers
	BRT - Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen
	CBL - Catholic Benevolent Legion
	CD of A - Catholic Daughters of America
	CK of A - Catholic Knights of America
	CMBA - Catholic Mutual Benefit Association
	COOF - Catholic Order of Foresters
	CTAS - Catholic Total Abstinence Society
	CBKA - Commandery Benevolent Knights Association
	CCTAS - Crusaders-Catholic Total Abstinence Society
	DAC - Daughters of the American Colonists
	DAR (NSDAR) - National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
	DAV - Disabled American Veterans
	D of A - Daughters of America
	DoL - Daughters of Liberty
	DAN - Daughters of the Nile (Masonic)
	DOKK - Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan (Knights of Pythias)
	DOLLUS - Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States
	DUV - Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War
	ECV E - Clampus Vitus
	EAU - Equitable Aid Union
	EBA - Emerald Beneficial Association
	FAM - Free and Accepted Masons
	F&AM - Free and Accepted Masons
	FCB - Knights of Pythias
	FLT - Independent Order of Odd Fellows
	FOE - Fraternal Order of Eagles
	FOAST - Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers
	FOF - Fraternal Order of Firefighters
	FOP - Fraternal Order of Police
	GALSTPTR - German American Legion of St. Peter
	GAR - Grand Army of the Republic
	GLAUM - Grand Lodge Ancient Order of Mysteries- Masonic Order
	GLDS - Grand Lodge Daughters of Scotia
	GUOOF - Grand United Order of Odd Fellows
	HZ - Haro Zaro
	IBBH - International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers
	ICBU - Irish Catholic Benevolent Union
	IHSV - Red Cross of Constantine
	IOA - International Order of Alhambra
	IODE - Independent Order, Daughters of the Empire
	IOGT - International Order of Good Templars
	IOH - Improved Order of Heptasophs
	IOHH - International Order of Hoo-Hoo